Olympus OM system close-up and macro equipment
Focusing Rail
Introduction
The Focusing Rail was available as a separate item, but is exactly the same as the rail that is part of the Auto Bellows.
Olympus OM Focusing Rail (original version)
It is designed to fit the Macrophoto Stand B Adapter for the Macrophoto Stand VST-1, but it can also be used with most other stands and tripods. As supplied, there is no way to attach a camera, and so the Focusing Stage is essential.
Olympus OM Focusing Rail and Focusing Stage
With the focusing block fixed to a stand, turning the larger of the 2 knobs moves the long, black part of the rack in relation to the block. The smaller knob can be used to adjust the tension of the focusing mechanism, and to lock the rail in place.
The caps at each end of the rail normally prevent the rail from being moved out of the focusing block. However, the caps can be unscrewed to allow the rail to be reversed or to fit or remove the Stage or the bellows.
Along one side of the top surface of the rail there are markings at 5 mm intervals. When used as part of the Auto Bellows, these markings allow a precise bellows extension to be set. Along the other side, there are markings for use with the Slide Copier.
| US catalog no. | 104-113 |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1972 |
| Discontinued | 2003 |
Versions
There are 2 versions of the rail.
The original version, introduced in 1972, includes white 1× and 1.5× marks for 50mm lenses and orange 1× and 1.5× marks for the manual Zuiko 1:1 Macro 80mm f/4 lens.
The later version, introduced in 1980, retains the white marks for 50mm lenses and the orange marks for the manual Zuiko 1:1 Macro 80mm f/4 lens, and additionally has green 1× and 1.5× marks for the Zuiko Auto-1:1 Macro 80mm f/4 lens.
Instruction leaflet
Exploded parts diagram
Send comments or questions to Alan Wood
Created 18th May 2001 — Updated 28th February 2021
Copyright © 2001–2021 Alan Wood